Returning to the Scene of the Crime in Wayne Proves to be a Mistake for These Suspected Thieves

WAYNE, NJ – Two suspected thieves returned to the Willowbrook Mall ten days after allegedly stealing packages from a UPS truck making deliveries to the mall. Alert Wayne Police Officer Matthew Bernardo had learned of the theft and was on patrol at the Mall when he spotted the suspects at the scene of the crime and promptly arrested them. Bernardo made a bonus arrest, as a passenger with the suspected duo, turned out to be wanted in “multiple jurisdictions.”

The following is based on a statement released by the Wayne Township Police Department.

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On Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024, a UPS driver reported a theft. While he was away from his truck making deliveries, someone had climbed in and helped themselves to “several packages.”

Wayne Police Detective Tom Kartanowicz took on the investigation and was able to get a hold of surveillance camera footage that showed two men taking packages from the UPS truck. Kartanowicz relayed images of the suspects and the vehicle they used that day to fellow officers in Wayne and other local law enforcement agencies.

Ten days later, while on patrol at the mall, Officer Bernardo saw a vehicle that looked like the car used by the suspected package thieves.

“He observed the occupants and saw that they matched the surveillance photos of the suspects in the theft from the UPS truck,” said Wayne Public Information Officer, Detective Captain Dan Daly. “Officer Bernardo witnessed the driver commit motor vehicle violations, and conducted a stop of the suspect vehicle and detained the occupants.”

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Bernardo called in backup and, together, they arrested three men.

The driver was identified as Khiale Warren (50) of Philadelphia and was arrested for the UPS truck theft, along with one passenger – who initially gave a false name but was later identified as Frederick Goodwin (41) of Philadelphia. According to Daly, he was wanted for Burglary in Atlantic County, NJ, and for Larceny in Pennsylvania.

The other passenger, James Cole (54) of Philadelphia, was believed NOT to have taken part in the April 2nd UPS truck theft, but had outstanding warrants from five jurisdictions in NJ, according to Daly, and was also placed under arrest and turned over to the Manalapan Police Department.

“A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of burglar tools,” said Daly, “as well as clothing worn during the earlier theft.”

Warren was charged with Burglary, Theft and Possession of Burglar Tools. Goodwin was charged the same, but because they found Percocet on him when arrested, he was also charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.

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